Alvin Payton Jr.

Alvin Payton Jr. was born in Valdosta, Georgia. He earned a bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in 1976 and a master's degree and Ph.D. from Valdosta State University in 1995 and 2016, respectively. His career experience includes working as an administrator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, the general manager for Payton Floor Covering, and a senior administrator for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.[1]

Regular election

Alvin Payton Jr. did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Special election

Alvin Payton Jr. did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr . Alvin Payton, Jr. I was born in Valdosta, GA. I have been married for 42 years. We are blessed with a son, a daughter, and a daughter in law. We also have two grandsons. I received a football scholarship and graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. I obtained a Master Degree and Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from Valdosta State University. I have worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Payton Floor Covering, and retired from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, as the Vice President of Community Affairs and Minority Recruitment. I was also elected to the Valdosta City Council, in which I served three terms (12 years). Ten of those years were served as the Mayor Pro Tem. I am a Certified Manager of Program Improvement. I also received the highest level of training provided the Georgia Municipal Association, Certificate of Dedication. I have served on many boards and community organizations. A few are the YMCA Board, Azalea City Kiwanis, South Georgia Regional Library, Leadership Lowndes and the Easter Seals Board. I am a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sons of AMVETS, and the United States Tennis Association. I am a member of Payton African Methodist Episcopal Church and served as a Trustee.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'm asking people to vote and support my campaign because I bring transparency, integrity and moral values. I can and will represent all of District 177 as i have the ability to reach across the isle, collaborate, and work with others to find common ground on issues.I have the experience, time, desire, and the education to be a great servant leader.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about the following public policies;

1. Education, especially technical education

2. Improving Georgia's minimum wage, currently $5.15 an hour

3. Affordable Health Care

4. Criminal Justice Reforms

5. Human Trafficking

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother and father. They have since passed away. I would like to follow my parents examples. My mother and father are the reasons I am who I am today. They were a good balance. My mother would tell me, before I knew or understood the meaning, your word is your bond. I try to not say anything that I don't mean, believe or support. She also told all seven children, we can do and be anything we wanted to be. My father was the hardest working and smartest man I have ever known. To be as successful as he was in the time frame that he lived let me know how great he was. He was not a perfect man but I believe he was a perfect father by the examples he set.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe and elected official must have integrity, honest, trnasparencey and good character. An elected official must be a good steward of the public's trust and understand good stewardship involves managing thier constitunets property, fnances and other affairs. That an elected official should be in office for personal gain and no one is entitled to an office.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The qualities that I possess that I believe will make me a successful officeholder are integrity, communication and listening skills, as well as, the ability to find common ground and consensus building. Knowing that building relationships are important components to being a successful officeholder.

What is your favorite book? Why?

How to Win Friends and Influence People. by Dale Carnegie. It shared that the many strategies of very successful people came from relationships and truly listening to what the other person was saying.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, very beneficial!!

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Affordable Healthcare, Economic stability, continued economic growth in rural areas and disparities as it relates to hospitals, internet, and the declining tax base.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Understanding that one (governor) must take into consideration the entire state's needs. The legislature is often driven by their District needs. Both must be willing to listen and found common areas of agreement and be willing to adjust for the needs of the many out weighs the needs of the few, which is sometimes very difficult.